China's drills around Taiwan and its ambitions in the South China Sea get plenty of attention, but officials in South Korea warn that it is also encroaching on a contested space in the Yellow Sea - and may be attempting to move in with a durable presence. 

According to South Korean officials, Chinese interests have moved an older jackup platform into an area known as the Provisional Measures Zone, a region where the two nations' exclusive economic zone claims overlap. The former rig is in use for aquaculture, according to China, but South Korea's government believes that there is more to the story. Chinese authorities intervened to stop a Korean research vessel from investigating the rig in February, raising security concerns in Seoul. Korean diplomats plan to raise the issue with China at an upcoming maritime dialogue, officials said.   

"We are treating this issue with utmost seriousness from the standpoint of protecting our maritime territory," Korean minister of oceans and fisheries Kang Do-hyung told reporters on Monday. 

The jackup platform has been identified as the Atlantic Amsterdam. It began life in 1984 as a drill rig, but in 2013 it was refitted for use as a floatel. In service with Northern Offshore - a subsidiary of state-owned Shandong Shipping Corporation - it has capacity for up to 70 people, plus a helipad and vertical gangway for access. 

Atlantic Amsterdam was listed as available for commercial charter as recently as 2023, but according to Korean intelligence it has been emplaced in the Yellow Sea since early 2022.

Korean political commentators - particularly in the opposition People Power Party - have drawn comparisons between the rig and China's South China Sea bases. The vast land reclamation projects in the Spratly Islands and Paracels started under civilian descriptions, then evolved into strategic naval air stations within a few years' time. 

"China’s method of installing the structure [Atlantic Amsterdam] is similar to its tactic of creating artificial islands in the South China Sea," People Power Party floor leader Rep. Kweon Seong-dong told Korea Herald. 

 

Three former crewmembers of a yacht that hit and sank a tanker in 2021 have won millions of dollars in damages in a suit against the yacht's owners. 

On the evening of December 23, 2021, the product tanker Tropic Breeze got under way from New Providence Island in the Bahamas with about 150,000 gallons of petroleum products aboard. The vessel's AIS transceiver was not working, according to the NTSB. 

At 2030 hours, the Italian-built superyacht Utopia IV departed New Providence Island with 12 crewmembers and seven passengers, making 20 knots. The yacht's bosun - who was on watch alone in the wheelhouse at the time of the collision - told the NTSB that the spray at the bow made it harder to see, and the S-band radar display was out. Only the X-band was available, and it was set to a range of three nautical miles. 

At about 2200 hours, Utopia IV hit Tropic Breeze's transom, penetrating the hull. The tanker's crew abandoned ship, and the stricken vessel sank in about 2,000 feet of water. The yacht suffered minor damage at the bow (below left) and stayed afloat. Three injuries were reported aboard Utopia IV, but no fatalities on either vessel. 

NTSB concluded that the casualty occurred because both vessels' crews failed to keep a proper lookout by all available means. "Although the Utopia IV bore responsibility as the overtaking vessel to manoeuvre away from the tank vessel, once the yacht’s intentions were unclear and a close-quarters situation had developed, the tank vessel should have taken action," NTSB found. 

In late 2022, three former Utopia IV crewmembers - identified by yachting media as the vessel's deckhand, ETO and chief engineer - filed a negligence and unseaworthiness suit against the yacht's owners, seeking maintenance and cure plus damages. The ETO reported a fractured left ankle and PTSD; the chief engineer reported whiplash and PTSD, among other injuries; and the deckhand reported a fractured right foot and PTSD. A Florida jury awarded them a combined $2.8 million for medical bills and wages, plus punitive damages. 

Utopia IV was refitted after the casualty and is currently listed for sale with Fraser Yachts. The asking price is $44 million, all U.S. import duties paid. 

Utopia IV (file image courtesy Rossinavi)

 

A sailor from the carrier USS Nimitz has gone missing in Guam, and his ship has sailed without him, according to the Navy. 

Sailor Gabriel D. Holt was off base when he was last seen late on April 18, the same day as Nimitz's arrival in Guam. At around midnight, he was spotted in the Tumon district, in between Hotel Nikko and Gun Beach - about 10 miles northeast of the base at Apra Harbor. He was reported missing on April 19. The search for Holt is still active, and the local police are looking for public tips.

"At this time, all available agencies are actively engaged in efforts to locate the missing sailor," Nimitz spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Tim Pietrack told Navy Times. "The search is ongoing, and we are committed to fully cooperating with local authorities while search and rescue efforts continue."

 

 

 

 

 

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On April 21, USS Nimitz sailed from Guam to resume her deployment in the Western Pacific. She is accompanied by the destroyers USS Gridley and USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee; the Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor also deployed as part of the carrier strike group, and called at Guam on April 17. 

USS Nimitz is 50 years old this year and is on her final deployment before decommissioning. She is expected to end her service in April 2026 and begin the long process of nuclear vessel deactivation.

Nimitz commissioned in 1975, and was the first of a successful class of supercarriers that have defined naval power projection ever since. Her itinerary on this voyage is not disclosed, but USNI reports that she could transit to the Mideast; sister ships USS Carl Vinson and USS Harry S. Truman are already in the region and involved in high-intensity operations against targets in Yemen, and Truman is due for relief.  

 

Clear signals that the Trump administration wants to pare back its new tariffs have prompted a market recovery, and key stocks in cruise and commercial maritime have begun to regain the losses they suffered after the April 2 levy announcements - but the course ahead is still far from certain.

Trade with China has been hit hardest with a 145 percent blanket tariff rate. Container booking data for mid-May shows that shipments for inbound cargo from China to LA-Long Beach will be down by more than 40 percent, according to CNBC, an unprecedented and sudden drop.

On Tuesday, Trump told the press that he would not "play hardball" with China and would be "nice" in negotiations going forward. He added that the current rate would be coming down "substantially," though not all the way to zero. 

On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump's team is aiming at average tariffs of 50-65 percent on Chinese goods, possibly lower for noncritical items and higher for strategic industries. A final decision has not been made, the WSJ said. 

Later in the day, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent denied that the White House is considering cutting tariff rates on China without getting something in return. But he said that both sides are motivated to walk back from current levels. "Neither side believes that these are sustainable [tariff] levels," he said. "This is the equivalent of an embargo, and a break between the two countries in trade does not suit anyone's interests."

Stocks have rallied on the news of a likely tariff rollback, including some key shipping stocks. AP Moller-Maersk, the largest publicly-listed ocean carrier (and second-largest overall) saw its shares jump up eight percent in a day. It has now regained most of its losses since April 2, buoyed by expectations of lower trade barriers. 

Jones Act carrier Matson, which operates an express service between China and the United States, has been hit hard by the tariff disruption: its stock has lost nearly a quarter of its value since April 2. It began to recover from those losses on Tuesday, reflecting rising expectations of an eventual return to higher booking levels on transpacific routes. 

As a discretionary expense, cruising is sensitive to swings in economic outlook, and it has tracked the recovery of the rest of the market. Carnival rebounded 3.5 percent over the past five days, Royal Caribbean is up by 7.5 percent, and Norwegian Cruise Line is up by 5 percent. However, all of the big three cruise stocks - like the markets overall - are still well below where they were last month.

 

ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki announced at the 163rd ABS Annual Members Meeting that he will step down as Chairman and CEO and retire at the end of 2025. He has led the class organization for the past 14 years during a turbulent and transitional period in the maritime industry emerging as a key voice on decarbonization and a recognized influencer in the shipping industry.

Wiernicki, who holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, was ranked by Lloyd’s List in December 2024 as number 68 on its listing of the Top 100 People in Shipping. He is a recognized industry thought leader in the areas of decarbonization and sustainability, digitalization and advanced technology, marine safety management and human factors, naval architecture, marine engineering, alternative fuels, carbon economics, and environmental, social and governance (ESG).

Last month he had addressed the uncertainty about the IMO’s carbon levy warning that it was holding back investments in shipping. He said the industry was balancing short-term efficiency measures with long-term fuel readiness while looking for greater certainty for the future.

Taking the helm of ABS in 2013 was the culmination of a now 35-year career with extensive commercial, government, and international experience in marine and offshore design, operations, infrastructure and safety management, ports and bunkering, digitalization, cybersecurity, and clean energy transition. He joined the company in 1993 as Vice President of Engineering within the ABS Americas Division.

“We have faced many challenges during my tenure, including the pandemic, the marine and offshore industry downturn and unprecedented, and disruptive technology and regulatory driven change,” Wiernicki said today addressing the membership. “In spite of these events, we were able to move forward with a number of strategic investments that have allowed us to become an industry recognized technology and safety leader.”

He leaves ABS at a time when they said the group has never been stronger, with substantial growth and industry-leading safety performance. ABS told members during the annual meeting that its fleet grew to 300 million gross tons in 2024. It said it maintained the number one position among class organizations in global new order share (22 percent) and is a leader with both shipbuilders and shipowners. It reported that it also maintained its leadership position in the global offshore market and expanded its support for governments while continuing to be in the forefront in digital and sustainability services.

The retirement, ABS emphasized is the culmination of a well-planned succession process. 

The leadership of ABS, upon election by the Board of Directors, is expected to pass to the current ABS President and Chief Operating Officer John McDonald. The plan calls for him to become Chairman and CEO from January 1, 2026.

McDonald is currently responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization globally. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Global Business Development and Global Marine market sector for ABS. He has risen from the position in 2010 and 2011 of Division President Europe to become COO in July 2021. 

McDonald has a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering from Maine Maritime Academy and holds an MBA from Texas A&M University.
 

[By: Inmarsat Maritime]

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an agreement with Sallaum Lines, a leading Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargo shipping company, to upgrade to Inmarsat Maritime’s NexusWave fully managed bonded connectivity service, making it an early adopter in region. As Sallaum Lines expands its global presence, NexusWave will provide secure, ultra-fast connectivity with unlimited data, complemented by Inmarsat’s Care Premium programme for 24/7 support and maintenance.

Reflecting a proactive digitalisation strategy, Sallaum Lines is adopting modern technologies such as IoT sensors and collaborative tools to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency across its fleet. Inmarsat’s NexusWave will deliver the reliability, high speeds, and low latency that Sallaum increasingly relies on to facilitate data collection, analysis, and advanced monitoring across its 14-vessel RoRo fleet, including six newbuilds.

Sallaum Lines is committed to creating a healthy and happy working environment on board its vessels by ensuring crew members can stay connected with their families and friends during rest and off-duty hours. The company places high value on education and development and plans to deploy a fleetwide learning and skills development platform. Thanks to the unlimited, high-speed connectivity provided by NexusWave through network bonding, Sallaum’s crew will have access to communication services and educational tools virtually anywhere in the world – even in connectivity hotspots.

Mr. Puneet Arora, Head of Technical, Sallaum Lines, commented: “NexusWave will provide us with fast and reliable connectivity without the worry of outages, latency, or interruptions. This new partnership will also enable us to enhance our remote infrastructure and expand our onboard portfolio with solutions that meet both operational needs and crew welfare requirements. We are proud to be an early adopter of NexusWave.”

Dennis Winterswijk, Regional Director, EMEA, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “Deep understanding of Inmarsat Maritime’s capabilities, and trust in our reliability, were key factors in Sallaum Lines’ decision to select NexusWave. Its  decision to adopt NexusWave highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and reliability, as well as its position as a forward-thinking, technology-driven company.”

 

On Tuesday, a gas leak on a barge on the Houston Ship Channel prompted community alerts on the key energy-infrastructure corridor, but local officials say that no air quality threats have been detected and residents have the all-clear. 

Operator Kirby Inland Marine told local media that a vapor release occurred aboard a barge at the Targa Resources dock in Galena, Texas. A valve leak released an unspecified quantity of butadiene, a common industrial gas used for making plastics and synthetic rubber (like car tires). 1,3-butadiene is an EPA-listed carcinogen, an inhalation irritant, and highly flammable. Luckily, it breaks down quickly in the atmosphere, limiting the time in which it can have an effect. 

The leak occurred because of a broken valve, according to local CW39 Houston. It was contained by late Tuesday, and the barge was towed to a safe location for further evaluation. The Houston Ship Channel has reopened to full service, and the City of Galena Park says that there are no air quality threats to the public. 

No injuries were reported from the gas leak. 

[By: Tilla Technologies]

Tilla Technologies today announces that Wilson, one of Europe’s largest short sea shipping companies, will use its software to manage all crew changes across 101 vessels in its fleet. The rollout is planned for May 2025.

The decision was based on the successful use of Tilla Technologies’ solution at Stödig Ship Management, which handles crew for parts of Wilson’s fleet. The crew change platform delivered strong, consistent results: double-digit cost savings, increased productivity, and high user satisfaction. Based on this, Wilson opted to adopt Tilla Technologies.

Wilson operates one of the largest short sea fleets in Europe and plays a key role in the region’s industrial logistics. The company transports around 13 million tonnes of dry cargo annually and conducts over 10,000 port calls per year. Its fleet consists mainly of mini bulkers ranging from 1,500 to 8,500 DWT. With vessels calling at both major hubs and smaller ports across Europe, transparent, efficient, and flexible crew change management is essential to ensure smooth operations.

More transparency and less manual work for crewing teams
With Tilla Technologies, Wilson expects to significantly reduce crewing costs by optimizing travel planning and gaining clearer oversight of third-party service providers. The platform automates manual processes and gives crewing teams full visibility into schedules, bookings, and costs. Crew operators can save up to one hour per day, allowing them to focus on more critical tasks.

“We expect Tilla to simplify operations, reduce costs, and give our teams more time to focus on what really matters,” says Bjørn Thore Seljelid, Head of Crewing at Wilson. “The ability to plan and manage crew changes in one system, with real-time data and complete transparency, is a key step in our digitisation efforts.”

A scalable solution for one of Europe’s largest short sea fleets
“Wilson is a forward-thinking company with very high standards for efficiency and reliability,” says Niklas Weidmann, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Tilla Technologies. “They recognized early on that crewing decisions have a major impact on performance. We are looking forward to supporting their teams with automation, better data, and tools that simplify daily operations.”

Automating the full crew change process
Tilla’s software connects all relevant data sources – vessel schedules, crew databases, port agents, real-time flight data, and more – and automates the entire crew change workflow: from planning and booking to documentation, cost control, and invoicing. The platform integrates with existing crew management systems and works with over 15 travel agencies globally. Designed for scalability, it helps companies reduce manual work, improve transparency, and make better decisions over time.

[By: Akzo Nobel N.V.]

Akzo Nobel N.V. (AKZA; AKZOY) publishes results for Q1 2025:

Highlights Q1 2025 (compared with Q1 2024)

• Organic sales flat; revenue down 1%
• Adjusted EBITDA €357 million (adjusted EBITDA margin: 13.7%), flat at constant currencies
• Efficiency actions ahead of schedule
• Higher prices and strong cost reduction compensating for lower volumes and inflation
• Net cash from operating activities negative €112 million (2024: negative €170 million)

AkzoNobel CEO Greg Poux-Guillaume commented: “We delivered a better-than-expected quarter with positive pricing and strong cost reduction. Our efficiency measures are paying off, allowing us to compensate for softer markets and persistent inflation. And there’s more to come as we continue to streamline our model, organization and footprint.

“While macro-economic volatility has been fueled by US tariffs, our local-for-local and procurement de-risking strategic principles continue to largely shield us from direct impacts on our cost base or our ability to deliver. However, we expect to be indirectly impacted by more timid customer demand as economic growth slows during this period of reassessment for global trade. All the more reason to remain focused on our self-help measures to achieve our full-year outlook and build a stronger AkzoNobel.”

AkzoNobel in € millions	Q1 2024	Q1 2025	Δ%	Δ% organic
Revenue	2,640	2,613	(1%)	-%
Operating income	261	192
Adjusted EBITDA	363	357	(2%)
Adjusted EBITDA margin	13.8%	13.7%

Outlook

Subject to ongoing market uncertainties and assuming constant currencies, AkzoNobel expects to deliver 2025 adjusted EBITDA above €1.55 billion.

For the mid-term, AkzoNobel aims to expand profitability to deliver an adjusted EBITDA margin of above 16% and a return on investment between 16% and 19%, underpinned by organic growth and industrial excellence.

The company targets leverage below 2.5 times net debt/adjusted EBITDA by the end of 2025 and around 2 times in the mid-term, while remaining committed to retaining a strong investment grade credit rating. 

[By: VIKING Life-Saving Equipment]

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has launched the first Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) immersion suit in the world designed for women working in offshore wind energy, using guidance on diversity and inclusivity from industry leaders Ørsted, Siemens and Vestas.

The VIKING YouSafe™ Cyclone suit joins a growing portfolio of VIKING PPE whose fit and features reflect the safety needs of female seafarers, pilots and technicians in the marine and offshore industries.

The most recent UK Government Industrial Strategy Offshore Wind Sector Deal study included a “minimum target” for one third of the industry’s workforce to be by 2030 (2018 – 16%). In UK waters, and elsewhere, getting the right PPE in place to best serve the safety needs of women offshore has become a focus for equity and inclusivity strategy at Ørsted, Siemens and Vestas.

“As a young industry, offshore wind offers a huge opportunity to change attitudes in the workplace, and to encourage the diversity, equity and inclusion women are entitled to expect,” said Lasse Hansen, Senior HSE Manager, PPE and TMSE, Ørsted. “Ørsted has identified female-specific PPE as part of the critical infrastructure we need for women to work safely offshore today and a necessity to attract more of them into this industry. We were delighted to work with VIKING as one of our key safety solution providers to take a significant step in the right direction.”

Delivered in high-vis GORE-TEX® NARVIK™, the female-fit YouSafe™ Cyclone suit is approved to the same dual SOLAS/MED and CE/ISO standard as the male version and is available in multiple sizes. Common features include compatibility with all standard offshore harnesses, durable Neoprene cuffs and neck seal, retro-reflective piping for increased visibility in dark surroundings, and a maintenance free zipper.

However, ratios and cut are redesigned for shorter torsos, and different hip and chest proportions, and for a range of smaller sizes that avoid the risk of snagging in fixtures and fittings. The sleek looking design also offers a high level of comfort and enhances the safety of women when stepping or jumping to/off the platform, climbing the tower or moving around the nacelle. In addition, the suit includes integral braces, which hold suit pants for free leg movement when climbing and allow the wearer to doff its top part to move around freely.

Poul Parning, Senior EQS PPE Specialist, Siemens Gamesa said the Cyclone suit was a welcome contribution to its efforts to attract more women to offshore wind, ensuring that outdated practices did not frustrate career progress. “There has been an intense focus on PPE as a diversity, equity and inclusion issue at Siemens Gamesa for the last two years; we have already adopted a new safety harness for women. The Cyclone CTV suit supports corporate goals.”

Speaking for Vestas Wind Systems, HSE Manager Peter Armstrong-Cribb added: “At Vestas, we believe that diversity and inclusion go hand in hand with innovation, and that everyone must feel safe, valued, and that their voice is heard. The right PPE puts these beliefs into practice.”  

VIKING built on its internal design work by interviewing women working offshore in the wind industry to develop the new suit, before trialing prototypes at a test day with Ørsted, Siemens and Vestas in Liverpool, UK earlier this year. After further tests offshore and customer feedback, the YouSafe™ Cyclone was launched in October.

“Bringing Cyclone to market has been a joy because we have worked with customers whose competitive position did not stand in the way of our common goal to deliver a safety necessity and level the playing field for women working offshore” said Bettina Kjærgaard, Global Sales Manager Offshore Wind, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment. “Their response in spreading the word has also been phenomenal.”

In a surprise development, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges surpassed the Port of Rotterdam for container volume during the first quarter of 2025. Traditionally Europe’s second busiest port, Antwerp-Burges highlighted its market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre Range increased to 30.5 percent, and on a global level, the port climbed one position to reach 14 in the ranking of largest ports, but like all its peers, the port is anticipating a tough period in the coming months related to the unrelenting tariff policy of Donald Trump.

Antwerp-Bruges released its first quarter throughput performance highlighting the strength of its container business while reporting an overall decline largely driven by a sharp decrease in bulk volumes. Container throughput however was up 4.6 percent in tonnage and 4.5 percent in TEUs. The ports handled 3,436,000 TEUs. By comparison, the Port of Rotterdam which has long dominated in Europe reported a 2.2 percent increase in TEUs to 3,364,000.

The Belgian port said the growth came amidst the transition to the new alliances among liner companies, industrial actions including a paralyzing port strike, and congestion at other ports, which also contributed to longer container dwell times for Antwerp-Bruges. Rotterdam said its tonnage decreased due to an eight percent decline in loaded exports, a decline in the number of transshipment containers, bad weather in January, and an operational dispute at one of its terminals which resulted in fewer ship visits, delays, and lower productivity.

During the quarter, Antwerp-Bruges handled 67.7 million tonnes of cargo, reporting a four percent overall decline, citing the weak performance in the bulk categories. Liquid cargo recorded the sharpest decline, falling by 19.1 percent impacted by gasoline, naphtha, and LNG. The segment is not only feeling the impact of sanctions against Russia and the struggling European petrochemical sector but has also been hit by changing market conditions in Africa. Belgium’s ban on high-sulfur and benzene fuels exports to Africa is having material negative effects on shipments.

Rotterdam also reported an overall 5.8 percent decline in first quarter throughput. It said the decline was also mostly due to less throughput of crude oil and oil products, iron ore, and coal.

“We are in particularly uncertain times, which makes it difficult to predict what 2025 will bring next. But as in previous crises, our port is showing resilience and operational reliability,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, Port of Antwerp-Bruges CEO. “At the same time, the protectionist measures taken by the United States make it clear that Europe needs to make a stronger commitment to robust economic policies in order to strengthen our industry and anchor its strategic position.”

Historically, the United States has been the second-largest global trading partner of Port of Antwerp-Bruges for over two decades. In 2024, the maritime trade volume accounted for approximately 10 percent of the port's overall cargo traffic. Of this, 11 million tonnes were exported to the U.S., with the port handling over 200,000 cars bound for the U.S. as well as auto and machinery parts (mostly from Germany), chemicals, vehicles, food, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. 

Executives at the Port of Rotterdam expressed similar concerns. They noted that import duties imposed by the United States on goods exported from Europe had yet to have an effect on first-quarter throughput but were creating uncertainty.

“The first three months of this year were characterized by a high degree of volatility in world trade as a result of threatened import duties in the United States and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East,” said Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority. “This volatility has led to uncertainty among companies in the areas of trade and investment. We see this reflected in throughput volumes and the willingness to invest. In these uncertain times, it remains as important as ever that, together with national and European governments, the Port of Rotterdam continues to work towards a competitive European investment climate.”
 

[By: Tideworks Technology® Inc.]

As AI and automation continue to dominate industry and IT conversations, new survey findings from Tideworks Technology® Inc. (Tideworks), a full-service provider of intermodal and marine terminal operating system (TOS) solutions, and Port Technology International (PTI) reveal a significant disconnect between the industry's appetite for innovation and the foundational technology currently in place at many terminals.

To assess the current state of technology adoption, Tideworks and PTI, using User Evidence, surveyed intermodal operators across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Respondents represented a wide range of terminal sizes and operating models. 107 Respondents represented a broad range of intermodal rail terminals, including newly constructed terminals, single-site operations and networks of intermodal terminals.

The findings reveal a gap between strategic priorities and actual adoption, reflecting persistent operational, infrastructure and integration challenges. According to the data, while 73% of terminals with a network of 11 or more view AI, automation and digital transformation as critical to future competitiveness, only 36% are currently using AI to collect and analyze operational data.

The survey revealed operational pain points that are directly obstructing the systems, processes and mindset shifts required for digital transformation. Capacity and yard utilization were ranked as the number one operational challenge across 63% of intermodal terminal respondents with real-time visibility, data accuracy and limited analytics expertise also cited as major barriers to progress. Notably, 60% of intermodal terminal respondents cited integration challenges with external partners and customers as their top data management pain point, underscoring the critical role of seamless connectivity in managing and leveraging data effectively. Together, these issues point to a demand for foundational systems that address today’s operational pressures and better support real-time visibility, smooth integration and smarter capacity management across terminal networks.

“The appetite for AI and automation is growing, but readiness is the real hurdle,” said Chad Van Derrick, vice president of software product management at Tideworks. “To unlock the value of these technologies, terminals need to invest in the basics: a modern data platform, clear governance and optimization tools that turn information into action. That’s what creates smarter, more resilient operations.”

The survey uncovered insights that highlight progress, challenges and opportunities in technology adoption. Other findings from the PTI/Tideworks Emerging Tech Survey include:

• 84% of intermodal terminals with a network of 10 or less say digitalization is their top technology goal, yet 54% still rely on spreadsheets and manual entry to collect and analyze operational data.
• 14% of intermodal terminal respondents are using AI to collect and analyze data, though 42% of intermodal terminals cited ongoing challenges with data accuracy and 40% cited limited staff expertise in data analytics.
• 44% of respondents cite sustainability/green tech as a top priority technology initiative.
• 65% of intermodal terminals respondents report using TOS and 73% report using data dashboards and reporting, but 44% lack real-time visibility in managing data.
• Adoption of software is growing with 64% of terminals using automated gate systems, 51% using optical character recognition (OCR)/ optical feature recognition (OFR) and 53% using vehicle booking systems.

View full survey insights here: Tideworks Emerging Tech Trends in Intermodal Operations.

 

Port Everglades ranks as the world’s third busiest cruise home port, and it is the main port for petroleum products in South Florida. It's a self-supporting enterprise fund of Broward County, Florida and generates more than $26 billion in economic activity, supporting about 11,000 direct jobs. It's a key hub for the region's shipping needs, and handles about one million TEU worth of containerized cargo a year. 

To get all the details about the port's operations and its positive impact, TME founder and editor-in-chief Tony Munoz spoke with port CEO and director Joseph Morris, who has over twenty-five years of experience in the ports sector. For the full conversation, listen in below. 

 

One of the U.S. Navy’s newest vessels, USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul has made significant drug busts a month into her first deployment. The Navy is highlighting that along with an embarked USCG Law Enforcement Detachment and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron, the new littoral combat ship stopped two alleged drug smuggling operations in the Caribbean within a 72-hour span.

The operations resulted in the confiscation of 580 kilos of cocaine and 2,480 pounds of marijuana. The report estimates the total value of the drugs at over $12 million and highlights that the operation was a combination of air and surface operations to complete the interdictions.

“We train diligently and stand ready to execute interdiction missions at moment’s notice,” said Minneapolis-Saint Paul commanding officer Cmdr. Steven Fresse, “To be able to make an immediate impact so early on during our maiden deployment is a testament to the hard work and skills of the ship’s crew.”

The vessel is a Freedom-variant of the littoral combat ship class built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin. She was launched in 2021 and commissioned in May 2022. She departed on March 26, 2025, from her home base at Naval Station Mayport for her maiden deployment to support the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations.

At 388 feet (118 meters) in length, the Navy reports she has a top speed in excess of 40 knots and a range of over 3,500 nautical miles. Designated LCS 21, she is number 11 in the Freedom-variant, which currently has a total of 15 ships (10 active) and one more, USS Cleveland, fitting out.

 

Minneapolis-Saint Paul is on her first deployment after commissioning in 2022 (USN)

 

During her initial deployment, the Navy said Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s primary mission is to support counter-illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean. Minneapolis-Saint Paul operations will also involve practical exercises and exchanges with partner nations.

Preparing for the mission, the vessel’s crew accomplished certification in Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, which the Navy said would enable the ship to conduct Maritime Interdiction Operations and support the embarked Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. This capability is vital for countering illicit drug trafficking and was supported by embarking an aviation detachment, which includes the MH-60 R helicopter to conduct reconnaissance, track contacts of interest, and engage in maritime interdiction operations.

“I have watched this crew tackle a challenging and condensed schedule to ensure we are prepared for our maiden deployment to the 4th Fleet. We have overcome every obstacle in our path and have demonstrated that we are a resilient team ready to execute our mission,” said Cmdr. Fresse at the time of the departure. “This will be USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s first deployment, as well as the first for many of my crew members. However, we are eager to accomplish the mission.”

The Navy highlights that the crew also completed multiple certifications in a range of critical warfare areas, including Air Warfare, Electronic Warfare, Intelligence, Surface Warfare, Cyber Warfare, and Search and Rescue. These certifications it said demonstrated the team's proficiency across multiple domains, proving that they are equipped and prepared to handle the complex and multifaceted nature of modern naval operations. 
 

 

The Global Wind Energy Council is out with its annual report highlighting that 2024 was a record year for new capacity, with 117 GW of wind energy installed across the world. However, it also pointed out that although 2024 was another record year for wind installations the headline numbers mask big disparities in terms of the pace of deployment across global markets, and now trade wars and political instability threaten the progress for the sector.

The lion’s share of installations in 2024 however also took place in a small number of key mature markets, including China and Europe. Much of the progress also came onshore where 109 GW was added while just 8 GW was installed offshore. Globally it reports capacity has reached 1,136 GW, spread across all continents and with 55 countries installing wind turbines in 2024.

China led the way for new installations in 2024 with 79824 MW of new capacity while surprisingly despite growing opposition the U.S. was second (4058 MW) edging out Germany. India and Brazil rounded out the Top 5 in 2024.

There was record growth in other regions, including Asia-Pacific (7 percent), while Africa & Middle East saw a 107 percent growth rate, driven by Egypt installing 794 MW and Saudi Arabia’s 390 MW. North America, LATAM, and Europe experienced a decline in new installations compared with 2023. 

“Once again, the wind industry has broken new installation records, despite more challenging macroeconomic headwinds over the last few years,” said Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC. “The aggressive stoking of tariff wars adds further uncertainty to international investment decisions and threatens to disrupt the international supply chains which the wind industry relies on. The full costs on our industry of the wide array of declared and threatened tariffs we have seen – both general and on specific commodities such as steel - have yet to be fully calculated.”

GWEC, however, warns of increasing policy instability in some markets and points to the need to improve permitting, grid transmission, and auctioning mechanisms. It says these steps are critical to keep pace with the global trend for electrification, meet countries’ energy and climate targets, and lessen reliance on volatile fossil fuels. It also sees this as critical to fulfilling globally agreed ambitions to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. 

 “It's vitally important that policymakers around the world don’t take their eyes off the prize, ensure stable and predictable market frameworks, work within multilateral frameworks to ensure free and fair trade,” says Blackwell. He says governments must work with investors and the industry to enable rapid deployment of clean, efficient wind power to support economic growth, resilience, and prosperity.

The report forecasts a compound average growth rate of 8.8 percent for the wind industry, projecting an additional 981 GW of wind energy capacity across the globe by 2030. GWEC’s Market Intelligence service sees consecutive record years through to 2030, with 138 GW of new capacity in 2025, 140 GW in 2026, 160 GW in 2027, 167 in 2028, and a leap in 2029 and 2030 to 183 GW and 194 GW respectively. 

GWEC’s forecast for 2025-2030 sees offshore wind rise from 16 GW in 2025 to 34 GW, with offshore moving from 11.8 percent of new capacity to 17.5 percent of new capacity by the end of the decade.  

This year’s Global Wind Report focuses on four key challenges the market faces, including financial and macroeconomic headwinds, trade barriers and market fragmentation, inadequate procurement and auctioning frameworks, and challenging investment conditions in the global wind energy supply chain. 
 

Egyptian officials celebrated the launch of the first two domestically-built tugboats on April 23, which will be used for the Suez Canal. They highlighted it was part of a broader effort to expand Egypt’s maritime community and support the capabilities of the Suez Canal Company.

In a public-private partnership, new shipyard capabilities were established at the southern port of Safaga where the tugs were launched. The development of the yard included a new marine quay with mooring bollards, a quay for lifting vessels, and an 850-ton winch for lifting and unloading equipment and vessels.

During the speeches, it was highlighted that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is supporting the effort. The president outlined the vision of localizing various marine capabilities in Egypt. In addition to the tug construction, the president directed the development of a new fishing fleet which will include 12 deep-sea vessels as well as the construction capabilities for tourist vessels.

 

New cranes and berths were built to increase Egypt's shipbuilding capabilities (SCA)

 

The first of 10 new tugs planned for the Suez Canal Authority were officially launched during the ceremony. They highlight the tugs have a pulling power of 90 tons and incorporate advanced navigational capabilities and environmentally friendly technologies. Each tug is 32 meters (105 feet) in length and with a top speed of 12 knots. They were designed by the international firm Robert Allan. 

Among the features incorporated into the new tugs are main engines from the Belgian company ABC that will provide increased operating power and longer service life. They have also been designed to reduce carbon emissions. Incorporated into the design is a special external fire extinguishing system, using a separate engine from the main engines, which helps to provide better control and maneuvering during fire emergencies, and a water capacity of up to 2,400 cubic meters.

The first two vessels, Azm 1 and Azm 2, were launched while work is underway on units number 3 through 6. The hulls are completed and outfitting is underway on the mechanical, electrical, and piping work. A total of 10 tugs will be built in this class.

The Suez Canal Authority highlights an ambitious strategy to develop and modernize its maritime fleet by incorporating the latest technologies. The new tugs will be part of the fleet both for the guidance of vessels and to respond to emergencies. Work is also underway at the Alexandria Naval Yard on the Authority’s largest tug which will have a reported pulling force of 190 tons.
 

 

In a little-noticed action last week, U.S. African Command (Africom) took the rare step of bombing a stateless vessel that was suspected of smuggling arms into Somalia. 

The boat was allegedly delivering "advanced conventional weapons" to al-Shabaab militants in Somalia. Al-Shabaab ("The Youth") is an Islamic militant movement with roots in al-Qaeda, and has been fighting the Somali government since the early 2000s. More recently, Western analysts suggest, al-Shabaab has developed ties to Yemen's Houthi terrorist group - based in part on shared interests in arms smuggling.

U.S. special forces have contributed to the counterinsurgency campaign against al-Shabaab for years, but have not dealt the group a decisive defeat. The conflict has recently heated up, with Al-Shabaab fighters making gains near the capital city of Mogadishu, and the Somali government's allies have responded with new urgency. Turkey's army delivered 500 troops into Mogadishu earlier this week, and Africom has launched a new round of airstrikes on remote Al-Shabaab positions. 

Within this urgent context, Africom opted to use revised Pentagon engagement policies to order a rapid airstrike on the inbound smuggling vessel, according to The War Zone. "They have to do things quickly. They did not have time to pull in boats [for a boarding]," a U.S. official told the outlet. 

The Somali government said in a statement that the strike targeted an unflagged ship and a smaller support craft that were operating in Somali territorial waters. It added that in Africom's assessment, "all individuals aboard both vessels were neutralized."

Africom did not provide further details, but suggested that no civilians were harmed.

Historically, suspected smuggling boats in the Mideast and Horn of Africa have been interdicted in search and seizure boardings, often by U.S. Coast Guard teams with law enforcement training; kinetic weapons have almost never been used against cargo vessels in the area, at least in publicized actions. 

Three months after completing the acquisition of the bankrupt Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast and the other yards of the group, Spain’s Navantia outlined its plans for increased investment to create what it is calling one of the “UK’s most advanced shipyards.” The investments that are intended to improve productivity, provide faster delivery, and more sustainable manufacturing processes as designed to position the UK group as the UK and European governments are increasing defense spending.

Navantia partnered with Harland & Wolff in 2023 to win a UK contract to build three naval support ships for the Royal Navy Auxiliary. As part of that program, the companies committed to an investment of £77 million ($100 million) to modernize the yards and increase capabilities for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) contract. The Spanish group stepped in in late 2024 to save the UK shipyard group from liquidation and maintain the FSS program reporting that it would increase the planned investment in the yards.

“The modernization program will significantly enhance the Belfast yard’s ability to build the FSS vessels and support future programs,” said Navantia UK detailing its plans. “The investment is designed to deliver a comprehensive regeneration of UK shipbuilding capabilities, leveraging the opportunity presented by the FSS program.”

Assembly work and outfitting for the three FSS vessels is slated to take place at the yard in Belfast. The Appledore shipyard is producing the bow sections for the vessels. Work on the upgrades had begun in 2024, but was suspended due to the group’s financial troubles. Navantia UK reports that work resumed in March.

According to the group, the modernization focuses on maximizing productivity, creating jobs, and implementing sustainable manufacturing. Phase one focuses on enhancing capabilities for building vessel hulls, with improvements to delivery systems, stockyard management, and cutting technologies. It includes a comprehensive upgrade both for infrastructure development and advanced equipment installation. It will feature new lifting cranes, robotic plasma cutting systems, and automated quality control processes. A fully mechanized panel line for flat panel units will be installed, while the Belfast shipyard’s iconic Samson and Goliath gantry cranes will continue to play a vital role in operations.

The investment program extends beyond Belfast, with significant upgrades at the Appledore shipyard in Devon. The company has already committed to purchasing an advanced plasma cutter with expanded bed dimensions and sophisticated bevel-cutting capabilities, replacing machinery that has served the facility for more than 20 years.

Navantia UK’s investment strategy also encompasses the Scottish facilities at Arnish and Methil, which specialize in the energy industries. At Arnish, investment has begun including on skills development infrastructure, featuring a new welfare facility, dedicated training center establishment, office space improvements, and enhanced security and parking provisions.

Juan de la Cueva, CEO of Navantia UK, called the investments a “watershed moment” for UK shipbuilding. He said it was part of a long-term commitment to UK shipbuilding. Harland & Wolff they said will be transformed into a cutting-edge facility capable of delivering the highest quality vessels.  The Belfast yard was once an industry leader but entered a long decline delivering its last new build in 2009 and saved from a prior bankruptcy in 2019. Similarly, the Appledore shipyard went into receivership in 2003 and finally closed in 2019 before being acquired by Harland & Wolff Group in 2020. The group acquired the two smaller yards in Scotland in 2021.
 

A product tanker traveling more than 100 nautical miles south of the Nigerian coast was boarded earlier this week. Security services are saying the crew was well prepared and remained safe and while it was the first recent incident, the risks remain high across the Gulf of Guinea and in West Africa.

The official report from Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG) says the boarding took place on April 21 and involved four individuals. They reportedly approached the vessel at high speed in a black-hulled craft and remained aboard for nearly four hours taking personal property and equipment from the vessel before fleeing.

Security consultants Neptune P2P Group is highlighting that the captain and crew were well-prepared and followed mitigation recommendations quickly fleeing to the citadel where they remained during the incident. The perpetrators may have tried to enter the citadel or Martin Kelly, Head of Advisor at EOS Group, speculates it was a possible attempt at kidnapping because the pirates remained aboard for nearly four hours. The crew was unharmed according to the authorities.

The official reports did not name the vessel involved, but in an unconfirmed report, Neptune P2P says it was the Sea Panther, a 13,000 dwt chemical tanker with Greek ownership and registered in the Marshall Islands. The vessel’s AIS shows it departed Lomé on April 20 and arrived on April 23 at Douala, Cameroon.

While it is the first reported incident involving a commercial vessel near Nigeria in years, the dangers remain high in the region. Yesterday, the Nigerian authorities confirmed that a well-known fashion designer from Port Harcourt had been murdered by pirates. The individual named Hope Georgewill was kidnapped on March 26 and his family reportedly paid a ransom of approximately $1,250. The police reported they recovered his body and that they also raided the pirates' hideout killing four individuals and recovering a stash of weapons, outboard motors, and other equipment. 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps also reported on April 19 that one of its personnel was killed during a shootout with a pirate group. The incident took place in the Niger Delta Region.

MDAT-GoG’s data shows that in April alone there have been four incidents including an attempted robbery off Monrovia, Liberia, and boardings near Accra, Ghana, and Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire. Security services have also warned of continuing pirate group activity to the south in the region between Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé e Principe.

The current incident is reported by Neptune P2P as the fifth boarding in the Gulf of Guinea in 2025. The group highlights a 30 percent increase in activity over the same period in 2024.
 

[By: Crowley]

The American Waterways Operators (AWO) has awarded Crowley mariners serving on the Crowley-managed containership Potomac Express and the company’s LNG-powered container/roll on-roll off vessel El Coqui with the Honor & Excellence in Rescue Operations (HERO) Awards. The U.S. domestic industry mariners were recognized for their heroic efforts in ensuring the safety and security of others while at sea.

The crew of El Coqui, led by Capt. Kurt Breitfeller, played a pivotal role during the rescue operation of four people forced to abandon their sailboat after it was damaged in the Atlantic Ocean. Alongside the U.S. Coast Guard and the fishing vessel Bonanza, the captain and crew worked to successfully locate, retrieve and transport the four to safety.

In another case, while serving aboard the Potomac Express, Second Mate Kevin Zapolski displayed bravery when he swiftly responded to a distress call after a fellow crew member fell into the water between the dock and the vessel. Zapolski deployed a life ring, provided critical support and coordinated with the crew, terminal staff and emergency responders to rescue the crew member.

“We are proud of Second Mate Zapolski as well as Capt. Breitfeller and the mariners of El Coqui for their dedication and heroic actions to ensure the safety of others” said Cal Hayden, vice president of marine operations for Crowley global ship management. “Their swift responses exemplify the essential commitment to safety that defines Crowley’s mariners and our operations, and we are honored to recognize their bravery.”

The AWO, the leading U.S. association for tug and barge operators, introduced the American Waterways HERO Awards in 2023 to honor the bravery and life-saving efforts of individuals in the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry. This award recognizes those whose actions prevent harm and protect lives on the water each day.